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Published on 04/15/2008 at Tue Apr 15 13:55.
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Arguments Against Drafting a Running Back

Posted Tue Apr 15th by

Part Two of today’s series explores the reasons against using the 12th pick on a running pack.

There are a lot of reasons not to draft a running back in the first round. The obvious one is that the Broncos have never done it before, and have still run for as many yards as anybody in the past 10 years. How many times have we heard ESPN analysts say that they, themselves, could run for 1,000 yards behind the Denver offensive line?

While none of the backs Denver currently employs stayed healthy in 2007, it’s hard to argue that this is reason enough to address the situation with such a lofty draft pick. The Broncos have larger needs elsewhere, and while finding a franchise back is tempting, is it the type of move that would help a 7-9 team more than other moves?

Travis Henry began 2007 as the league’s leading rusher, and he has promised to his team and to the fans that he will return to form in 2008. If he is able to continue the pace he enjoyed in September of last year, the Broncos may not need to draft a running back in any round.

Rashard Mendenhall is tempting, to be sure. Looking at film, he’s the type of downhill runner that could really excel in the Denver system. He hits the hole, keeps his leg pumping, and knows how to run downhill. He doesn’t have top end speed by any means (watching film between him and McFadden is an eye-opener in regards to McFadden’s speed), but the Broncos aren’t interested in a speedy runner.

The only other concern with this year’s first round runners is the system they came from. I’m talking hypothetically that Mendenhall’s skills could translate into a zone blocking scheme – the fact of the matter is that none of these backs played in a pro-style offense in college like Adrian Peterson did coming out last year. There will be an adjustment period for any of the available backs, to be certain.

There are still a lot of greater needs, and I think Henry and Selvin Young could really explode next season with the right offensive line making the holes.

Let us know if you think drafting a running back in the first round is a good idea using the poll on the main page.

  • Matt

    Shanny has proven that finding 1,000 yard rushing running backs is easy. Why waste a first round pick on a RB that isn’t a legit franchise back when you can find one later in the draft. I say we ride Henry and Young again for another season.

  • http://seancunnane@gmail.com Seán Cunnane

    Jonathan Stewart IS a legit franchise back, mark my words, this guy is Scary, he could easily carry the load and this franchise on his back along with Jay for years to come. Forget about what mike mayock says about running backs, (Wouldn’t touch mcfadden with the top 20 picks??!) Even with McFadden, Stewart is the Best RB in this draft. He has everything, speed (legit 4.3 at 230 lbs!), power (strongest RB at the combine), explosiveness ( highest vertical at the combine) vision, return ability, blocking ability, but most of all he has had major production, at every level so far. He would annihilate teams in our system.